Latest News
District Safeguards Classrooms As It Seeks To Cut Spending
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
In an effort to navigate financial challenges, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has unveiled a preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year, featuring significant cuts to non-campus based expenses amounting to $30 million. The district's focus remains on safeguarding classrooms amidst cost-saving measures.According to a statement from AISD, "Though we must make difficult cuts, we committed to finding savings in areas that protect the classroom as much as possible." This commitment underscores the district's dedication to preserving the quality of education...
New Advanced Quantum Science Institute Will Bridge Basic Research and Applied Science
By Austin Journal | Apr 5, 2024
The University of Texas at Austin has announced the establishment of the Texas Quantum Institute, a new initiative aimed at advancing research and education in quantum science and engineering. The institute will serve as a platform for bridging basic research with practical applications in various fields such as computing, electronics, communications, sensors, quality control, and climate observation.Dan Jaffe, vice president for research at the University of Texas at Austin, expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of quantum research, stating, "Some of the most...
Exciting Return of the American Indian Education Program to Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Apr 4, 2024
The American Indian Education Program (AIEP) has made a welcomed return to Austin ISD, with a primary focus on supporting American Indian and Alaskan Native students and their families in their academic pursuits.Students at Austin ISD who identify as Native American or Alaskan Native during enrollment are encouraged to "Join AIEP," as stated by the American Indian Education Program. The program aims to provide tailored academic support to meet the unique needs of these students, in collaboration with Student Support Services.The AIEP, in partnership with Great Promise...
ACC Announces Free Tuition for 2024 Graduates
By Austin Journal | Apr 3, 2024
Austin Community College (ACC) has made a groundbreaking decision to offer free tuition to high school graduates of 2024. The initiative, presented by ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, aims to remove financial barriers and provide educational opportunities for more students."The five-year program will begin with the class of 2024," stated a representative from the institution. Additionally, it was highlighted that "There are no GPA requirements or income restrictions," making the program inclusive and accessible to all aspiring students. The ultimate goal is to...
Austin ISD Teacher of the Year finalists announced
By Austin Journal | Apr 1, 2024
Four educators from Austin ISD have been named as finalists for the prestigious title of Austin ISD Teacher of the Year. The finalists are Paola Arroyo-Forteza from Harris Elementary School, Jill Stockton from Brentwood Elementary School, Coleen Azeez from Webb Middle School, and Cameron Daniel from LBJ Early College High School.These outstanding teachers were selected for their exceptional dedication and contributions to the education community. Ms. Arroyo-Forteza was recognized for her ability to establish trusting relationships and advocate for every student. Ms....
Universal Brain-Computer Interface Lets People Play Games With Just Their Thoughts
By Austin Journal | Mar 29, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas - Engineers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a groundbreaking brain-computer interface that allows individuals to play games using only their thoughts. The research, aimed at improving the lives of people with motor disabilities, incorporates machine learning capabilities, making it a one-size-fits-all solution.Satyam Kumar, a graduate student involved in the project, highlighted the significance of this new technology, stating, "When we think about this in a clinical setting, this technology will make it so we won’t need a specialized...
Celebrating 2023-24 Volunteers of the Year
By Austin Journal | Mar 27, 2024
In a heartwarming display of community recognition, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) is celebrating the Volunteers of the Year for 2023-24. These individuals have been acknowledged for their exceptional dedication and support to their respective schools.From Allison Elementary to Zilker Elementary, volunteers like Jessica Herrera and Tomas Ruedas from Allison Elementary, Maria del Carmen Ruiz and Reyna Cruz from Andrews Elementary, and many others have been shining examples of selflessness and commitment to the betterment of their communities.Reflecting on...
Board to discuss Texas Academic Performance Report
By Austin Journal | Mar 27, 2024
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for the 2023-24 school year. The TAPR contains a wealth of performance data and information about districts and schools in the state. As part of the report, performance on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) for students in grades 3–12 is highlighted, along with student and staff demographic information, enrollment, attendance, and graduation rates, as well as indicators of postsecondary readiness.However, due to ongoing litigation, the TEA did not release...
Annual Spring Climate Survey Launched by Austin ISD for Valuable Feedback
By Austin Journal | Mar 26, 2024
Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced the launch of their annual spring climate survey, inviting parents and guardians to share their feedback until April 12.According to AISD, "Your insights provide invaluable perspectives on the educational climate, culture, and engagement within Austin ISD." The district emphasizes that "The district does not have access to individual responses or any personal data that could be used to identify a respondent."With a target of achieving an 80% completion rate across all campuses, AISD stresses the importance of...
Austin ISD Police Department Introduces Motorcycle Unit for Enhanced Campus Safety
By Austin Journal | Mar 25, 2024
The Austin ISD police department has unveiled its first motorcycle police unit, a move aimed at significantly improving school safety and community involvement."With the support of our board, our Austin ISD Police force will more than double in size, allowing us the flexibility with scheduling and supporting special events," said Wayne Sneed, Austin ISD police chief.The department's decision to establish the motorcycle unit comes in response to the introduction of Texas House Bill 3 last year, which mandated certain measures to ensure compliance with state regulations...
Critical Reminder about School Bus Safety
By Austin Journal | Mar 25, 2024
In the wake of a tragic bus accident in Bastrop County, the Austin Independent School District is emphasizing the importance of school bus safety. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2022, seven people lost their lives and 51 were seriously injured in crashes involving Texas school buses.One of the main factors contributing to these accidents was driver inattention and speed. In response to concerns about bus safety, the Austin ISD confirmed that all 551 of their buses are equipped with seatbelts, with 91 having lap belts and 460 having lap and...
Justin Dyer Named Dean of the School of Civic Leadership
By Austin Journal | Mar 21, 2024
President Jay Hartzell of The University of Texas at Austin has announced the appointment of Justin Dyer as the inaugural dean of the School of Civic Leadership. Dyer, who has been serving as interim dean since the school's launch, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.In a statement, President Hartzell highlighted the importance of Dyer's leadership, stating, “The School of Civic Leadership is building on UT’s longstanding tradition of educating future leaders in Texas and beyond." He further emphasized Dyer's expertise in American political thought and his...
Machine ‘Unlearning’ Safeguards AI from Copyright and Violent Content
By Austin Journal | Mar 21, 2024
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have pioneered a groundbreaking approach to address the challenges faced by artificial intelligence encountering copyright-protected and violent content. This innovative method, known as "machine unlearning," is specifically tailored for image-based generative AI and aims to block and eliminate undesirable content without the need to start the training process from scratch.Professor Radu Marculescu from the Cockrell School of Engineering emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating, "When you train these models...
Austin ISD Board Considers Budget Cuts Amidst Legislative Funding Standstill
By Austin Journal | Mar 20, 2024
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees recently met to address potential budget cuts in light of the ongoing legislative inaction on school funding. With a looming $60 million deficit if spending remains the same as last year, the district is facing tough decisions.Despite Texas's significant $33 billion budget surplus, there has been little to no additional per-student funding approved during the last legislative session. This lack of funding increase, coupled with a 17% rise in inflationary costs, has put a strain on Austin ISD's financial situation.Last fiscal year, Austin...
Schools in Austin to Remain Open for Solar Eclipse Viewing
By Austin Journal | Mar 20, 2024
In preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced that schools will remain open to allow students and staff to witness this historic event firsthand."We’re keeping schools open so we can embrace this historic moment and ensure all students have the opportunity to see the eclipse," stated an unknown spokesperson. Austin is in the path of totality for the eclipse, a phenomenon that is not expected to occur again for more than 300 years.The decision to keep schools open was made in collaboration with...
Celebrating Youth Art Month at Austin ISD
By Austin Journal | Mar 20, 2024
Art is the heartbeat of expression, and at Austin ISD, we're excited to celebrate our incredibly talented students and the powerful impact of art in our schools. In a statement, the Council for Art Education emphasized the importance of championing the power of creativity in education.The Districtwide Student Exhibition, hosted at the Performing Arts Center until March 30, is showcasing a diverse range of artwork from paintings to sculptures, inviting everyone to come and be inspired by the students' creativity.Thanks to the support of sponsors like Reagan Outdoor...
Surviving a Volcanic Supereruption May Have Facilitated Human Dispersal Out of Africa
By Austin Journal | Mar 20, 2024
Researchers working in the Horn of Africa have uncovered evidence showing how Middle Stone Age humans survived in the wake of the eruption of Toba, one of the largest supervolcanoes in history, some 74,000 years ago. The behavioral flexibility of these Middle Stone Age people not only helped them live through the supereruption but may have facilitated the later dispersal of modern humans out of Africa and across the rest of the world.Excavations at a Middle Stone Age archaeological site, Shinfa-Metema 1, in the lowlands of northwest Ethiopia revealed a population of...
Texas Continues To Face Child Care Accessibility Crisis
By Austin Journal | Mar 20, 2024
Texas is currently facing a significant child care accessibility crisis, as highlighted in a recent policy brief by researchers at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Steven Pedigo, a professor and director of the LBJ Urban Lab, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating, "Improving access to affordable, quality child care is essential for maintaining economic development and enhancing the well-being of our Texas communities."The challenges in the Texas child care system are stark. The average cost for infant care in the...
Tanks of the Triassic: New Crocodile Ancestor Identified
By Austin Journal | Mar 19, 2024
A new study led by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has identified a new species of ancient crocodile ancestor, shedding light on the evolutionary history of these creatures. The research, published in The Anatomical Record, focuses on a well-preserved aetosaur specimen named Garzapelta muelleri.William Reyes, a doctoral student at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences and the lead researcher, highlighted the significance of the find, stating, "We have elements from the back of the neck and shoulder region all the way to the tip of the tail." Reyes also...
Austin ISD Celebrates Pride Week
By Austin Journal | Mar 19, 2024
Austin ISD Pride Week is a time to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all. Promoting an attitude of acceptance supports a positive environment where students can show up as their full selves and focus on learning. This year's week-long celebration is March 18-23, 2024, which aligns with the National LGBT Health Awareness Week.June is National Pride Month and takes place during our summer break. The Austin Pride Parade is a local city event that takes place in August before students have returned to campus....